Proverbs 29:4 kjv

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Proverbs 29:4 nkjv

The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

Proverbs 29:4 niv

By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

Proverbs 29:4 esv

By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

Proverbs 29:4 nlt

A just king gives stability to his nation,
but one who demands bribes destroys it.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 4 Meaning

Proverbs 29:4 reveals a fundamental truth about governance: righteous leadership founded on justice brings stability and prosperity to a nation, while corrupt leadership driven by illicit gain inevitably leads to its ruin and decay. It presents a stark contrast between two types of rulers and their profound impact on society. A king who upholds true justice acts as a cornerstone, strengthening the foundations of the land and its people, ensuring order and welfare. Conversely, a ruler who abuses power by accepting bribes dismantles the very structure of society, sowing chaos, injustice, and ultimate destruction.

Proverbs 29 4 Context

Proverbs chapter 29 falls within the section of the book (chapters 25-29) known as "Further Proverbs of Solomon copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah." This collection highlights themes relevant to royal court and national governance, often contrasting wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, and their tangible effects on individuals and society. The immediate verses preceding 29:4 also deal with the consequences of leadership actions (e.g., a ruler listening to lies vs. truth, 29:12; oppressive rulers, 29:2). This particular proverb underscores the foundational principle that justice from the highest authority is crucial for societal stability, connecting directly to the ideal of wise and righteous kingship prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The historical context reflects a time when kings wielded absolute power, making their character and adherence to justice paramount for the welfare or suffering of their subjects. This truth applies not only to ancient monarchies but to any form of governing authority.

Proverbs 29 4 Word analysis

• The king (מֶלֶךְ, melech): This word denotes a sovereign ruler, monarch. In the biblical worldview, a king was God's appointed representative on earth, tasked with administering justice and upholding God's laws among His people. The authority vested in the king carries immense responsibility for the welfare of the nation. The proverb emphasizes the central role of leadership.
• by justice (בְּמִשְׁפָּט, b'mishpat): Mishpat refers to justice in a comprehensive sense: not merely legal fairness but righteous judgment, equity, and what is due according to moral and divine standards. It encompasses fair dealings, upholding the rights of the vulnerable, and rectifying wrongs. It is about applying divine order to human affairs.
• establishes (יַעֲמִיד, ya'amid): From the root 'amad, meaning to stand, set up, make firm. In the Hiphil stem, it signifies causing something to stand or making it firm, stable, or endure. Here, it denotes providing security, longevity, and stability. A just king creates a lasting, solid foundation for society.
• the land (אֶרֶץ, eretz): While literally meaning "earth" or "land," in this context, it broadly refers to the entire nation, the society, its institutions, and its people. The king's actions impact the totality of the realm, not just a geographical area.
• but (וְאִישׁ, w'ish): The conjunction "but" marks a sharp contrast, introducing the antithetical second clause, a common stylistic feature in Proverbs.
• a man who takes bribes (תְּרוּמֹת, terumot): This is a key phrase with nuance. Terumah generally means an "offering," often specifically for God or the priests. However, in contexts of corruption (like this or Prov 15:27, "man of greed"), it takes on the negative sense of illegal or illicit "exactions" or "offerings" which pervert justice – effectively, bribes. It describes someone whose interest is in illicit gain, contrasting with the just king. This points to a self-serving individual seeking personal enrichment rather than the public good.
• overthrows it (יַהֲרֹסֶנָּה, yaharosenna): From the root haras, meaning to tear down, break down, ruin, destroy. This is the direct opposite of "establishes." It implies bringing about destruction, disorder, and ultimate collapse. The suffix -enna refers back to "the land" (eretz).

Words-Group Analysis:

• "The king by justice establishes the land": This phrase paints a picture of constructive governance. It highlights that the bedrock of a stable society is a ruler who embodies and enforces impartiality and moral rectitude. Justice isn't just one policy among many, but the very act by which the kingdom endures and thrives. This is active, foundational work.
• "but a man who takes bribes overthrows it": This phrase starkly contrasts the destructive nature of corrupt leadership. A ruler who is motivated by illicit gain and perverts judgment doesn't just neglect their duties; they actively dismantle the social and moral fabric of the nation. Bribes corrupt the entire system, leading to decay from within. The 'land' (society) is a living entity that can be built up or torn down by leadership.

Proverbs 29 4 Bonus section

This proverb illustrates the Hebrew understanding of holistic justice (mishpat), which isn't merely retributive (punishing wrongdoing) but also distributive (ensuring fairness and equity) and protective (defending the vulnerable). A truly just king ensures that the weak are not oppressed and that legal processes are not manipulated by the powerful. The contrast also subtly implies a polemic against the pagan practices of some surrounding nations where offerings or sacrifices could often be seen as a means to curry favor or influence decisions of rulers or deities. The wisdom here asserts that divine favor and societal well-being come not from manipulative "offerings" or bribes to human rulers but from sincere justice. The longevity and stability promised to Israel under a righteous king (like David) was intrinsically tied to their administration of justice, establishing God's order on earth. The proverb's short, impactful structure (antithetical parallelism) makes its truth memorable and universal.

Proverbs 29 4 Commentary

Proverbs 29:4 succinctly encapsulates a foundational principle of political theology and social ethics: the character of a leader directly determines the destiny of the land they govern. A ruler who consistently exercises mishpat—true, impartial justice, reflecting God's own righteousness—provides the moral and social stability necessary for society to flourish. This form of justice fosters trust, security, and a level playing field for all citizens, leading to national endurance and peace. In contrast, the "man who takes bribes" represents leadership consumed by selfish ambition and corruption. Such an individual, by perverting judgment for personal profit, erodes public trust, creates disunity, incentivizes deceit, and ultimately brings about systemic collapse. This verse serves as both a wisdom aphorism for ethical governance and a prophetic warning against the inherent dangers of unchecked power and greed. It underscores that true societal strength comes not from military might or economic prosperity alone, but from the integrity and uprightness of its leadership. This wisdom holds true for any position of authority, whether in government, business, or the family, where fair decisions lead to flourishing, and self-serving corruption leads to decay.